Trading in the Gupta Period:
During the Gupta period, Indian trade and commerce were at the height of their prosperity. Both foreign as well as domestic trade were well – developed. Indian trade was extended to far off western countries including Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iran, Arabia, Syria, and in the east, it was spread to Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Siam, Sumatra, Malaydweep and China.
All these mentions reflect that during this period, India became a major centre for international trade. We find references to two type of traders in the Gupta period, viz Saarthwah and Shrestha. Due to their influential position, one of their representatives was given place in the Zila Parishad. In the Gupta period, a Haat Market in one of the villages of the group used to be there, every week after every fortnight, where goods produced in these villages were exchanged or sold.
The goods which were in excess of their demand were bought by the traders to be sold at far off places where they were in demand. The goods bought from such far off places were also sold in these Haats. These traders sold their items at the price three or four times higher than the selling price. The goods were taken away at far off places through rivers also.
Various trades during Gupta reign were at their peak. Textile and Iron Industry touched new heights and was continuously flourishing. Iron pillar of Mehrauli is an excellent example of this. India had very good trade links with Romans, but by the end of the 5th century AD, along with the decline of the Roman empire, the flourishing Indian trade also dwindled.
In this situation, the downfall of Sasani empire of Iran adversely affected Indian trade. Arabians established their control of overland routes. Soon, Arabian traders extended their control on the Arabian Sea as well as the Indian Ocean also.
Tax during Gupta reign:
During Gupta reign, traders were provided security and protection by the state in exchange of a determined fee. But, in the Gupta period, the tax burden was not high. The tax was imposed on imported goods and domestically – produced goods and was known as ‘Bhutowav Prathyay’. The trade condition in Gupta reign touched heights and the state-protected traders and the routes they followed.
Even from the international point of view, trading was at its peak. The traders could trade independently. The country was flooded with money. Traders imported gold, silver and other valuable items in a huge quantity from foreign lands into the country. This proves that in Gupta reign, trading was orderly and progressive. And the former state of trading during the Gupta period improved the state of trading at that time.